You're looking at the calendar. November is staring back at you, and you’re dreaming of the Bay Islands. But then you Google the weather. You see the word "rainy" and suddenly those flight deals don't look so hot.
Wait.
Before you close the tab, let’s talk for a second. Weather in Roatan Honduras in November is a bit of a polarizing topic among travelers. Some swear it's the best time to find a cheap villa in West End, while others think you’re asking for a week-long washout. Honestly? The truth is somewhere in the middle, and it depends entirely on how you feel about a little water—both from the sky and in the ocean.
The Reality of the "Rainy" Label
Is it the wettest month? Statistically, yeah. Most years, November takes the trophy for the highest rainfall on the island. We’re talking an average of about 15 to 19 inches depending on which weather station you trust. That sounds like a lot. It is a lot.
But here is the thing: Roatan doesn't really do "gloomy" the way London or Seattle does. It’s tropical. Usually, the rain comes in these massive, dramatic bursts. You’ll be sitting at a beach bar, the sky turns charcoal, and for twenty minutes, the world ends. The rain is so heavy you can't see the reef. Then, ten minutes later, the sun is out, the humidity spikes, and the lizards are back out on the rocks like nothing happened.
However, I have to be real with you. There are years where a "norther"—a cold front from the states—stalls out over the island. When that happens, you might get three days of grey skies and steady drizzle. It's rare, but it's the risk you take for those low-season prices.
Temperature and Humidity: The "Sweat Factor"
Temperatures are actually pretty perfect. You aren't dealing with the soul-crushing heat of August or September.
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- Daytime Highs: Usually hover around 81°F to 83°F (27°C - 28°C).
- Nighttime Lows: It drops to a comfortable 78°F (25°C).
Because it’s raining more, the humidity is definitely high. You will feel "dewy" the moment you walk out of the airport. The trade winds, which usually keep the island breezy, can be a bit hit-or-miss in November. When they blow, it’s heaven. When they stop, you’ll be very thankful for that AC in your bedroom.
Can You Still Dive and Snorkel?
This is what most people actually care about. Roatan is basically a giant coral reef with some land in the middle.
The water temperature is still warm—around 82°F (28°C). You don't need a thick wetsuit; a 3mm shorty or even just a rash guard is usually plenty. But visibility is the wildcard. Heavy rain causes "runoff" from the hills. The water near the shore can get a bit murky with silt and sand.
Pro Tip: If the north side (West End/West Bay) is looking a bit rough or cloudy due to a storm, head to the south side. The island's topography often means that while one side is choppy, the other is like a bathtub. Dive shops like West End Divers or Roatan Divers are pros at pivoting based on the morning's wind.
The Hurricane Question
Technically, November is the last month of the Atlantic hurricane season. People worry about this constantly.
But Roatan is tucked way down in the Western Caribbean. Most big storms curve north toward Cuba, Florida, or the Bahamas. Direct hits are statistically very infrequent. Does it happen? Sure. Hurricane Mitch in '98 and the 2020 season (Eta and Iota) were rough. But compared to the rest of the Caribbean, Roatan is a much safer bet. Just make sure your travel insurance covers "weather-related cancellations" just in case a late-season storm decides to be a jerk.
Why You Might Actually Love November
If you hate crowds, this is your month.
West Bay Beach, which is normally a sea of cruise ship passengers and umbrellas, is actually quiet. You can get a table at Sundowners for sunset without having to elbow anyone. Most importantly, the island is green. During the dry season (March-May), the jungle can start to look a bit brown and thirsty. In November, every leaf is exploding with color. It looks like a Jurassic Park set.
What to Pack (The Non-Obvious List)
- A high-quality poncho: Don't buy the $2 plastic ones; they'll rip in five minutes.
- Dry bags: For your phone and wallet when you're caught in a sudden downpour on a water taxi.
- Bug spray: More rain = more mosquitoes and sandflies (no-see-ums). This is non-negotiable.
- Lightweight layers: It rarely gets "cold," but a light windbreaker is nice for boat rides.
Actionable Advice for Your Trip
Don't let the forecast scare you. If you check a weather app for Roatan in November, it will show a "thunderstorm" icon every single day. This is a lie. It just means there's a chance of rain at some point in the 24-hour cycle.
If you’re planning a trip:
- Book the first half of the month: Statistics show the rain gets heavier toward the end of November as the "winter" patterns set in.
- Stay in West End: It’s more walkable. If it rains and you can't hit the beach, you're still within 50 yards of a dozen great cafes and bars.
- Be flexible: Make your "must-do" list (like the zipline or the sloth hangout) for the first sunny morning you see. Don't wait.
Basically, if you can handle a few wet afternoons in exchange for half-price hotels and empty beaches, November is a total win. Just don't forget the bug spray. Seriously.
Next Steps:
Check the local Roatan "Norther" reports about a week before you fly out. If a cold front is pushing down from the Gulf of Mexico, that's your signal to pack an extra book and plan for some indoor island time.